Club Med La Plagne 2100, La Plagne, France

We've always been fairly independent travellers but I'm glad we took advice from SNO customers about our first Family ski holiday with the boys. "Ski-Inclusive" and also "Food/Drink-Inclusive" makes it a genuine holiday for parents (i.e. not just the kids). You have all the faff of kids skiing sorted out by experts (all the gear on and off every time they need the loo, beginner ski school, endless snacks and water, patient coaching), and all the expense of feeding and watering a family in a ski resort is already covered. Basically, I think we'll ski this way until they're teenagers. The interconnecting rooms were great for giving the boys (and us) their own space but still feeling like we're in the same hotel room. That said, I don't think interconnecting is essential, if you can get rooms next to each other (maybe dig out your old baby monitor, so you can hear what they're up to!). The inclusive board-basis that you get in Club Med hotels is incredibly varied, so fussy eaters will always find things they like (they had great chefs making interesting things every day, but also staples like pizza and burgers etc.). The ESF sometimes have an unfriendly reputation but I think Club Med is a big client so they get to pick the best - all the instructors in the private Club Med nursery slope were female (no coincidence?) and my adult coach was a fantastically French old boy in his late 60's with character and attitude to spare, who was entertaining to ski with and improved my technique enormously (my last lesson was 30 years ago). It's great to dip in and out of ski school whenever you like (because its all included) so you can ski with the kids once they've got out of the nursery area (just a day for Jimmy 7, and two days for Charles 5). They said their aim is for the kids to be able to ski out of the nursery area by the end of the week, and I think everyone did (of course the very youngest or less sporty take a bit longer, but they love the nursery area where its safe and just as much fun). If you know that you will all buy lift pass and lessons, Club Med ski holidays are cheaper or about the same as any other, but of course you get the inclusive food and drink all day (I do love a free bar). Finally it's worth mentioning the consistency that everyone talks about - some operators can vary quite a lot from one chalet or hotel to another, but CM is a well oiled machine, so you never really get a duff one... and they hire nice people. When all the stats are counted, its usually the people who make or break a great holiday. Like the rest of the SNO community, I'm a convert. Recommended.

We really enjoyed our holiday at the Club Med in La Plagne 2100, it was really nice not it have to worry about anything. They looked after our children very well, which was crucial as it was their first skiing experience. The location was brilliant, nice and high and right next to the slopes. Nice food and a good variety for adults and children alike.